This year’s BARC scholarships of $500 each were presented to Naiser M. Jones, son of Lakeshia Jones of the public works department, and William Harris III, son of firefighter B.J. Harris and his wife, Emily.
Jones is a graduate of KIPP Gaston College Prep, city Human Resources Director Kathy Kearney told council.
He is a member of the KIPP LEO Club and Beta Club.
He has been involved in community service projects from neighborhood cleanups, Smart Start, Families Supporting Families and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to school and community involvement, he also holds a part-time job.
Jones plans on attending East Carolina University to become an accountant.
His favorite subject in school was math and because of the love for the discipline accounting would prevail above any other major, he told the scholarship committee.
He also plans on taking as many extra courses as possible, travel to conferences and continue his path as an accountant. He would like to perfect his craft in accounting to better himself and help his family financially. “I will be studying accounting because I am passionate about numbers, finances, and logic.”
Harris is a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School.
He has been taking fire service related classes since January of last year, sponsored by Halifax Community College.
He has almost completed his 1403 Fire Fighter Certification which will be recognized by the State of North Carolina after his 18th birthday. He also belongs to Davie Volunteer Fire Department where he tries to make a contribution as an active junior member. He also plans to work part-time this summer.
Harris plans on attending Halifax Community College for one year to complete any general education and prerequisite classes needed for an associate in science degree for fire protection technology.
Once completed he plans to apply to Wilson Community College or Wake Technical Community College to complete the associate degree in fire technology. His goal is to obtain a bachelor of science in fire protection technology.
“I have visited the local fire department since I was old enough to remember.” he said. “The fire service has been a part of my family and family traditions. After my 18th birthday I plan to apply for a full time position as an entry level firefighter. I would like to enter the fire services with the idea that I will grow in rank in the profession and someday retire from the fire department.”

Hardy, left, and Wiltsie, listen as Hasty reads the citation.

Police department

Meanwhile, Chief Chuck Hasty honored officers Jamie Hardy and Obert Wiltsie with lifesaving awards.
The citations stem from the early morning hours of April 22 and a drug overdose call, Hasty told council.
A male victim was not breathing. Hardy administered Narcan and then another dose Wiltsie brought.
In nominating the officers for the award, Sergeant Mike Moseley wrote, “Officer Hardy began to administer chest compressions on the male victim because he had no noticeable pulse. Upon my arrival I could see Officer Hardy over the male victim trying to get him to breathe. After a short time the male (began) to come out of the heroin overdose and began to take some breaths. Both officers’ quick response and knowledge of first aid prevented the possible death of the overdose victim.”